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From this section, you need to know…

1. What’s the difference between weather and climate?
2. What are the various factors that affect climate? </aside>

Weather & Climate

Definition: Climate – the seasonal pattern of weather in a place over a long period of time.

Definition: Weather – the state of the atmosphere at a given time

Generally, climate is measured over a long period time (years, decades, seasons), while weather is day-to-day. Climatology has collected enough data over the last century to accurately notice and predict trends in climate, while weather is difficult to predict.

LaMECOW or Climate Factors

Low Latitude

• Located between 0-30 degrees North/South
• Called the “Tropics”
• Receives sunlight all year
• Very hot temperatures
• Lush vegetation
• Abundant Precipitation

Middle Latitude

• Located between 30-60 degrees North/South
• Summers: Hot, Dry
• Winters: Cold, Rainy
• Dramatic Seasons

High Latitude